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Shop Dog Door AccessoriesHaving a pet is a large responsibility and can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, there are some simple things you can do consistently to keep your little guys healthy and happy.
Spay or neuter your pets. There are a myriad of reasons why this is so important, not the least of which is because there are already so many animals in need of a home. However, there are health implications as well. Spaying your female pet helps prevent disease, such as ovarian cancer. It also stops her from going into heat, thus eliminating her desire to roam away from home in search of a partner. It will also aid her when it comes to the threat of aggressive male cats or dogs. Neutering your male will avoid the risk of certain cancers, such as testicular cancer. It will also alleviate his desire to get out and roam the neighborhood in search of a female, where he can become victim to cars and more aggressive animals. It’s also a great benefit to the pet parent as the urge to spray and mark furniture will be greatly reduced.
Keeping comfortable is just as important for them as it is to you.
Keep a nice soft bed available for them. Some pet parents allow their pet to sleep in their bed. This is great but just remember that you may have times when your little guy doesn’t have access to the bed. Make sure there is a comfy alternative for him when your bed isn’t the appropriate choice. It is recommended that your pet have a clean, dry, soft bed in a temperate area that is always an appropriate choice, so he knows he always has a place that is for him.
Keep up with veterinarian visits and, of course, vaccinations. When you first bring your pet home you need to take him to the vet. Your vet will set up an immunization schedule and recommend yearly checkups. Regular checkups help to catch health problems before they become overwhelming, and vaccinations keep your pet free of communicable disease.
Proper identification is so important. Keep an id tagged collar or harness on your pet at all times. Even if you don’t expect your pet to be out, the unexpected can happen at any time. An identification should have your pet’s name and pet parent’s phone number that is current. If you have both, a cell and home number are a good idea. It’s just as important to have your pet microchipped. Many shelters do this automatically, but be sure to check with your vet’s office and be sure that your pet receives a microchip if he doesn’t have one already. Don’t forget to update the chip company if you move or change phone numbers.
Watch your pet’s weight. It’s estimated that half of pets in the US are overweight or obese. It’s important that your pet is fed a nutritious and properly portioned diet and receives plenty of exercise. Talk to your vet about the best food choices for your little guy as well as the proper portions. It’s a great idea to make good choices when it comes to treats too. Many dogs love carrots and other produce, there are also great, healthy choices when it comes to premade biscuits and cookies. If you’re unsure, give your vet’s office a call for recommendations. Also, keep in mind that there are foods that are good for us but poisonous to our pets, such as avocados, grapes and raisins. Check an online-accredited pet food reference or with your vet’s office to be sure.
Exercise is just as important, put aside time for playing with and walking your dog as much as possible, and be sure there are plenty of toys and places to climb for your cat. We recommend our HALE PET DOOR for safe and easy access to the back yard for your dog any time of day as well as access to covered runs for your cat.
Practice good hygiene from the beginning. It’s never too late to begin a good hygiene regimen, but the earlier the better. Your dog will become accustomed and even sometimes comforted by bathing, combing, nail clipping and tooth brushing, if you start early enough. Your cat will require nail trimming and sometimes brushing or occasional wipe downs depending on the breed. There are many alternative tooth cleaning products on the market if your pet isn’t keen on the tooth brush. Check your local pet store for great ideas and products. It is recommended to do one thing for your pet’s tooth health each day, whether tooth brushing, tartar control bones or teeth cleaning toys. Make a plan of care with your veterinarian if you are unsure. Also, look for cleaning products that work best with your breed, some pets need moisturizing shampoos or hypoallergenic products.
As always, Hale Pet Door hopes you, your pet and your entire family to stay happy and healthy. We know that this is a trying time for the entire world, we hope your family is safe and comfortable during this pandemic. We applaud the fact that, amid all of the world’s chaos, you are persevering at being the best you can be for your pet’s happiness and health. http://www.halepetdoor.com
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